Locating Ring and Method for Positioning Parts

ABSTRACT

A mold tool has a first mold part with a first side forming a first surface, a nozzle exposed on the first side of the first mold part, and a locating ring mounted to the first mold part. The ring has a body of a metal material and a guard of a material softer than the metal material. The body has a ring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a central opening concentric with a center axis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face. The guard is connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface and projects axially beyond the locating face. The locating ring surrounds and exposes the nozzle. The locating ring can be mounted to the first mold part. A second mold part can be arranged in proximity to the first mold part and have a locating hole in a second surface. The mold parts can be moved toward one another until the guard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole. The mold parts can be repositioned relative to one another until the guard and the perimeter surface align with the locating hole and then can be moved further toward one another until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority benefit of, and is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/085,225 filed on Nov. 20, 2013 and entitled“Locating Ring and Method for Positioning Parts”, which is acontinuation-in-part of, international application no. PCT/2012/0039086filed on May 23, 2012 and entitled “Locating Ring and Method ofPositioning Parts,” which claimed priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/489,177 filed on May 23, 2011 and entitled“Locating Ring and Method for Positioning Parts.” The entire content ofeach of these prior filed applications is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention is generally directed to positioning parts inmanufacturing machines, equipment, tools, and the like, and moreparticularly to a locating ring and locating method for positioning suchparts relative to one another.

2. Description of Related Art

It is well known in the injection molding industry that damage to themold tools or platens can be very costly and have a significant negativeimpact on productivity of a molding operation. Substantial mold machinedowntime occurs when a machine platen or mold surface must be repaired.Additionally, significant expense is incurred when necessary to repairthe surfaces of a mold tool or platen. It is also well known in theindustry that proper alignment of the mold tool is critical to correctoperation of the machine and the molding process and also to preventdamage to the surfaces of the mold tool parts. Once mold tool parts areproperly aligned, the parts are clamped in place together undersignificant load or pressure. Problems occur when mold tool parts aremisaligned and the machine attempts to clamp the mold parts.

Positioning of a mold tool relative to a stationary platen is typicallydone manually by an operator. The operator attempts to guide the movingmold tool into engagement with the stationary machine platen. It is wellknown to provide a locating hole in one of the parts, such as thestationary machine platen, and to provide a locating ring on the otherof the parts, typically the suspended mold tool. The locating ring andlocating hole are used to properly position and align the mold tool andmachine platen relative to one another. The operator typically guidesthe movable mold tool into close proximity with the stationary platenwhile attempting to align the locating ring with the locating hole.However, because the mold components are extremely heavy, bulky andquite large, the operator most times cannot see or adequately determinewhen proper alignment has occurred. An operator typically makes severalfailed attempts to align the locating ring and locating hole. Eachattempt can, and often does, result in varying degrees of damage to thelocating ring, machine platen, and locating hole.

If the locating ring is not properly aligned with the locating hole, thelocating ring can become damaged, rendering it unsuitable for futureuse. If a damaged locating ring were used again instead of repairing orreplacing the ring, damage to the locating hole can occur or the ringmay not fit properly in the locating hole. The surfaces of thestationary platen can also become damaged by contact with a damagedlocating ring. When such damage occurs, the mold or platen surface mustbe immediately repaired, which can be an extremely time-consuming andcostly process. Reworking of the platen or mold can affect the strengthand integrity of the structure. Reworking of the mold part surface canweaken the structure as well.

In addition to alignment of the mold tool and platen, flatness of thecontact surfaces is critical. When mold tools are produced, great careis taken to insure that all components are manufactured with precisesurfaces that are manufactured referencing an originating, extremelyflat, planar surface. Injection mold tools are constructed in separablehalves. Each half is then mounted to an opposing machine platen, onebeing stationary and the other moving. These platen faces are parallelwhen they are flat. Thus the mold tool and communicating surfacesinterface precisely as they where manufactured. Locating ring contactwith the stationary platen creates raised edges or areas around theimpacted area. These raised areas will prevent the stationary mold halfto mount flatly to the damaged platen surface. This creates anon-parallel relationship between the stationary and moveable moldhalves. Because the moveable mold half is mounted flatly to the opposingmoveable machine platen, the communicating surfaces from the separablemold halves will not interface as they were manufactured. Many of thesesurfaces interlock and have essentially no clearance between them. Inother words, they are “fit” together. Any non parallel interfacingbetween these surfaces can and often will cause premature wear of thecommunicating surfaces, fracture and thus catastrophic damage of moldparts, and also time and raw material waste producing what arebelieved-to-be finished parts that ultimately do not specifically meetthe product specifications. Any damage from locating ring contact mustbe repaired before the mold tool is clamped to prevent any or all ofthese detrimental conditions.

A typical locating ring is made of metal, such as steel. A steellocating ring is highly durable. However, use of the steel locating ringresults in damage to the ring or the platen surface when setting up themold in the molding machine, and particularly during the positioningprocess, as noted above. Others have attempted to solve or improve uponthese problems by providing locating rings that are formed of non-metalmaterials. However, locating rings must be sized very precisely withinextremely tight tolerances in order to accurately and adequately fitwithin a locating hole of a molding machine platen so that the parts areproperly positioned before clamping them together. Non-metal locatingrings are typically formed from materials that are inferior when itcomes to achieving extremely tight tolerances and size. Also, locatingrings formed of non-metal materials have proven to be unsuitable when itcomes to durability. Such locating rings typically must be replaced muchtoo often. Additionally, locating rings are subjected to a range oftemperature environments. Two types of injection mold tools are commonlyknown as cold runner and hot runner. The non-metal rings are limited touse on cold runner mold tools. Hot runner mold tools, as the nameimplies, have a heated manifold located within the mold structure thatmaintains the resin at the desired processing temperature, which can behigher than 700 degrees Fahrenheit. As locating rings are directlyfastened to the mold structure, a non-metal ring made of thermoplasticmaterial will degrade and deform from continuous exposure to thisthermal environment. The non-metal locating rings can even become easilydamaged when the mold is stored and not being used, simply by cominginto contact with other objects.

SUMMARY

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, alocating ring is disclosed for positioning machine parts or toolsrelative to one another. The locating ring has a body formed of a metalmaterial. The body has a ring shape with a perimeter surface facingradially outward, a center axis defined by the body, a mounting face,and a locating face spaced from and facing opposite the mounting facealong the axis. A guard is connected to the body and is formed of amaterial that is softer than the metal material of the body. The guardis sized to be radially within the perimeter wall and to project axiallybeyond the locating face.

In one example, the guard can be formed of a non-metal material or anon-ferrous metal material.

In one example, the body can be formed of a steel material.

In one example, the guard can be formed of liquid silicone rubber,aluminum, bronze, brass, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber,thermoset elastomer, or thermoset rubber.

In one example, the body can have a plurality of through bores formedaxially through the body. The guard can include a plurality of bumpersegments, one bumper segment protruding through each of the throughbores.

In one example, the guard can include a plurality of bumper segmentsprotruding through one or more through bores in the body. Each of thebumper segments can have a back end aligned flush with the mounting faceof the body and a front end protruding beyond the locating face of thebody.

In one example, the guard can be bonded to the locating face of thebody.

In one example, the locating face can have a recess thereon and theguard can be bonded to the locating face within the recess.

In one example, the locating can have an insert positioned against thelocating face of the body. The guard can be formed of a translucent,semi-transparent, or transparent material covering the insert such thatthe insert is visible through the guard.

In one example, the locating ring can have an insert that carriesindicia visible through the guard.

In one example, the body can have a central opening concentric with theaxis defined by an inner annular wall of the body.

In one example, a skin layer of the guard material can be formedintegral with the guard and cover one or more surfaces of the body,other than parts of the locating face, such as a surface of an innerannular wall surrounding a central opening in the body.

In one example, the guard or at least a skin layer of the guard can havea non-stick surface characteristic.

In one example, the guard can be removably connected to the body.

In one example, the guard can be magnetically connected to the body.

In one example, the guard can be a removable plug insertable into acentral opening in the body.

In one example, the guard can be fastened to the body.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, amold tool has a first mold part with a first side forming a firstsurface. A nozzle is exposed on the first side of the first mold part. Alocating ring is mounted to the first mold part and has a body formed ofa metal material and a guard formed of a material softer than the metalmaterial of the body. The body has a ring shape, a perimeter surfacefacing radially outward, a central opening concentric with a centeraxis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face.The guard is connected to the body radially within the perimeter surfaceand projecting axially beyond the locating face. The locating ringsurrounds and exposes the nozzle.

In one example, the foregoing and/or other below-mentioned alternateexamples of the locating ring are applicable to the above-mentioned moldtool.

In one example, the nozzle can be exposed on the first surface of thefirst side of the first mold part. The mounting face of the locatingring can be mounted directly to the first surface.

In one example, the mold tool can further include an elongate valve gatebody that protrudes from the first surface of the first mold part. Thenozzle can be located at a free end of the valve gate body spaced fromthe first surface. The mounting face of the locating ring can be mountedto the free end of the valve gate body.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, amethod is disclosed for aligning parts of a molding machine or othertype of manufacturing equipment, tools, or the like. The method includesproviding a locating ring having a metal body and a guard formed of amaterial softer than the metal of the body. The metal body has a ringshape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a center axis, amounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face. The guardcan be a non-removable part or a removable part and is connected to thebody radially within the perimeter surface and projecting axially beyondthe locating face. The locating ring is mounted to a first side of afirst mold part or other part, which has a first surface being on thefirst side. A second mold part or other part and the first mold part orother part are arranged in proximity to one another. The second moldpart or other part has a second surface with a locating hole therein.The first and second surfaces are moved toward one another until theguard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole. The firstand second mold parts or other parts are repositioned relative to oneanother as needed until the guard and the perimeter wall align with thelocating hole. The first and second mold parts or other parts arefurther moved toward one another until the locating ring seats in thelocating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.

In one example, the first mold part or other part is a movably suspendedinjection mold and the second mold part or other part is a stationarymachine platen. The steps of moving and further moving can includemoving the injection mold relative to the stationary machine platen.

In one example, the step of mounting can further include mounting themounting face of the locating ring directly to the first surface of thefirst mold part.

In one example, the step of mounting can further include mounting themounting face of the locating ring to a free end of a valve gate bodyprotruding from the first surface.

In one example, the aforementioned and other below-mentioned features ofthe locating ring and/or the mold tool can be employed in the method ofaligning parts.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, amethod of retrofitting a locating ring with a guard is disclosed forpositioning machine parts or tools relative to one another. The methodincludes identifying a locating ring to be retrofit. The locating ringhas a body made of metal and the body includes a perimeter wall, amounting face, and an opposite locating face. A guard is created andconfigured to connect to the body of the locating ring and is made of amaterial softer than the metal of the body. The guard is connected tothe body so that part of the guard protrudes axially beyond the locatingface and is radially within the perimeter wall.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, aguard is provided for retrofitting an existing locating ring. The guardhas a means or mechanism to connect to and be retained on the locatingring. The guard is made of a material that is softer than that of thelocating ring.

In one example, the methods can further include the step of removing aworn, damaged, or used guard from the locating ring. The steps ofselecting can include selecting a new or replacement guard configured toconnect to the body. The steps of connecting can include connecting thenew or replacement guard to the body.

In one example, the aforementioned and/or other below mentioned featuresof the locating ring, mold tool, and alignment method can be employed inthe method of retrofitting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the locating ring in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of the locating ringin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified side view of the locating ring in FIG. 1 andmounted to a mold tool positioned in close proximity to a machineplaten.

FIG. 5 shows the mold tool in FIG. 4 misaligned with the machine platenand with the locating ring contacting a surface of the machine platen.

FIG. 6 shows the mold tool and machine platen in FIG. 5 aligned with oneanother but not yet engaged.

FIG. 7 shows the mold tool and machine platen in FIG. 6 aligned with andengaged to one another.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the locating ring in FIG.8.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-section taken along line 10-10 of the locatingring in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the locating ring in FIG.11.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-section taken along line 13-13 of the locatingring in FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a rear perspective view of a guard portion of the locatingring in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-section taken along line 16-16 of the locatingring in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-section view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows a cross-section view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section taken along line 21-21 of the locatingring in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows an exploded perspective view of the locating ring in FIG.22.

FIG. 24 shows a cross-section taken along line 24-24 of the locatingring in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of another example of a locating ringconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows an exploded perspective view of the locating ring in FIG.25.

FIG. 27 shows a side view of the exploded locating ring in FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 shows a cross-section taken along line 28-28 of part of thelocating ring in FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of another example of a mold toolconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 30 shows a side view of the mold tool in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of another example of a mold toolconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 32 shows a side view of the mold tool in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 shows a front perspective view of another example of a locatingring constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 shows a side view of the locating ring in FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of the locating ring in FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 shows a front perspective and exploded view of the locating ringin FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 shows a side exploded view of the locating ring shown in FIGS.33 and 36.

FIG. 38 shows a front perspective view of another example of a locatingring constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 39 shows an exploded view of the locating ring in FIG. 38.

FIG. 40 shows a front perspective view of another example of a locatingring constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention.

FIG. 41 shows a partially exploded view of the locating ring in FIG. 38.

FIG. 42 shows an exploded view of a portion of the locating ring in FIG.41.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

A locating ring and a method of locating mold tools are disclosed anddescribed herein. The disclosed locating ring and method solve orimprove upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems anddisadvantages with prior known locating rings and methods. In oneexample, a locating ring has a body formed of a metal material forachieving tight tolerance control, flatness against a mold surface, anddurability. The disclosed locating ring also has a somewhat orrelatively resilient guard protruding from one face of the body. Thedisclosed guard can be formed from a non-metal material, a non-ferrousmaterial, or another suitable material and is positioned so as to comein contact with a mold part or other part during locating or positioningof the mold part or other part with another mold part or other part in amold machine or other machine or equipment. Only when the locating ringis aligned with the locating hole in the other part will the metalportion of the body seat in the locating hole.

In one example according to the teachings of the present invention, alocating ring is disclosed for positioning machine parts or toolsrelative to one another. The locating ring has a body formed of a metalmaterial.

In one example, a method of positioning mold parts involves utilizingsuch a locating ring on a mold tool or other part and then attempting tomove two mold parts together and properly align them with one another.If not properly aligned, the guard portion of the locating ring willcontact the surface of the other mold part around the locating holeuntil the locating ring and locating hole are properly aligned. Onlythen can the two mold parts be moved into engagement with one anotherand only then will the locating ring seat in the locating hole. Themetal body of the locating ring can be precisely formed to closely fitwithin the locating hole to properly position the two mold partsrelative to one another. The guard of the disclosed locating ringprevents damage caused by contact between the locating ring and surfacesof the other mold part when misaligned.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show one example of a locatingring 50 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention. The locating ring 50 in this example generally has a body 52and a guard 54 connected to the body. As disclosed herein, the guard 54can take on numerous different configurations and constructions and canbe connected to and retained on the body 52 in a variety of differentways. Similarly, the body 52 can also take on numerous differentconfigurations and constructions and yet fall within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

In this example, the body 52 generally has an annular ring shape withthe perimeter surface 56 that faces radially outward from a center axisA. The center axis A is located at the center of the ring shaped body52. Though not specifically necessary, the body 52 in this example is acircular or cylindrical construction and in the form of an annulus thatis concentric with the center axis A. It is possible that the body 52,and thus the locating ring 50, have a non-circular shape and yetfunction as intended. The body 52 could be oval, elliptical, polygonal,or the like.

The body 52 in this example also has an inner surface 58 that facesradially inward toward the center axis A. A central opening 59 isdefined within the inner surface 58. The body shape is generally definedbetween the inner surface 58 and outer perimeter surface 56. The body 52of the locating ring 50 also has a mounting face 60 on one side of thebody and a locating face 62 on the opposite side of the body. Themounting face 60 and locating face 62 are spaced from one another andface in opposite directions along the center axis A such that each faceis normal or perpendicular to the center axis. In this example, themounting face 60 is flat or planar for mating with a surface of a moldpart. Depending on the configuration and construction of the guard 54,the shape and contour of the locating face 62 can vary. The face of thebody does not actually perform the locating function described here.However, the term is used herein merely to identify the face on the body52 that is opposite the face mounted to the mold part.

As is known in the art, a locating ring is typically fastened to asurface of a mold part such as a mold tool. Thus, the typical locatingring is provided with one or more fastener receptacles for receivingfasteners and securing the locating ring to the mold part. In thisexample, the locating ring 50, and specifically the body 52, has twopairs of fastener receptacles 64 and 66 formed through the body parallelwith the center axis A. In this example, each receptacle of the pair offastener receptacles 64 is diametrically opposed from the other andformed as a standard, machined through bore 68 extending through thematerial of the body 52. If desired, the through bores 68 can have astepped down diameter section for mating with the head of a fastener(not shown), if desired.

The other pair of fastener receptacles 66 has a different molded or castconstruction. In this example, each of the pair of fastener receptacles66 is also diametrically opposed from the other on the body 52. Eachreceptacle 66 has a notched section 70 that is semi-cylindrical in thedirection of the center axis A, open to the locating face 62, and opento a portion of the perimeter surface 56. The notched section 70terminates in advance of the mounting face 60, leaving a stepped surface72 facing the locating face 62. A fastener bore 74 is formed through thestepped surface 72 for receiving a fastener (not shown) when mountingthe locating ring 50 to a mold part. The head of the fastener will seatagainst the stepped surface 72 when the locating ring 50 is mounted.

As will become evident to those having ordinary skill in the art uponreading this disclosure, the configuration and construction of thefastener receptacles and mounting means for attaching the disclosedlocating rings can vary considerably. The fastener receptacles 64 and 66are described above merely to present two such examples. Otherreceptacle formations are certainly possible.

The guard 54 is configured having a plurality of separate and discretebumper segments 80. The guard 54 in this example has four such bumpersegments 80. Each bumper segment 80 has a forward face 82, a rear face84, and a core 86 therebetween. The core 86 in this example can be asolid mass of material or can be hollow or partly hollow as needed ordesired. The core 86 has an outer side 88 facing radially outward, aninner side 90 facing radially inward, and a pair of opposed ends 92. Thecore 86 is curved about the center axis A and follows the contour of thering shape of the body 52. Thus, the outer side 88 has a convexcurvature and the inner side 90 as a concave curvature. In this example,the core 86 of each bumper segment 80 has a curvature that forms asegment of an arc matching that of the annular body shape. Each bumpersegment 80 has a stop flange 94 of a larger size than the adjacent core86 at the rear face 84. The stop flange 94 forms a shoulder 96 facing inthe direction of the forward face 82 on each bumper segment 80. In analternate example, the stop flange or some other connector ring can beformed integrally joining the segments to one another in a one-pieceguard structure that is otherwise similar to the segmented structure ofthis embodiment.

In this example, the body 52 has a corresponding number or plurality ofbumper holes 98 formed through the body. In this example, the body 52has four such holes 98 to correspond one each with the four bumpersegments 80. The bumper holes 98 are intermittently dispersed around thecircumference of the body 52 between respective ones of the fastenerreceptacles 64 and 66. The holes 98 are formed through the body 52generally parallel to the center axis A. The shape and configuration ofthe bumper holes 98 match that of the bumper segments 80. As shown inFIG. 3, each of the bumper holes 98 has an entry opening 99 in themounting face 60 that is larger in size than the majority of theremainder of the hole. The entry opening 99 defines a stepped surface100 facing the mounting face 60. The shoulder 96 on the stop flange 94of each bumper segment is borne against the stepped surface 100 in itscorresponding bumper hole 98. This engagement insures proper positioningand retention of the bumper segments 80 relative to the body 52. Asshown in FIGS. 1 and 3, exposed ends of the bumper segments 80 protrudeforward from the locating face 62 on the body. Also, the segments aresized so that they are radially within the boundary of the perimetersurface 56. Thus, no part of the guard 54 extends radially outwardbeyond a corresponding part of the body 52.

The disclosed locating ring, and particularly the body 52, can be formedfrom a metal material, thus achieving the desired very tight tolerancecontrol. However, the body 52 can be fabricated using much lessexpensive base or stock material and less elaborate fabricationprocesses. In one example, the body 52 can be formed of powdered metal,sintered metal, or “white” metal. These types of materials can be formedutilizing a casting or molding process. Such materials are relativelylightweight in comparison to other steel materials. Such materials canbe relatively brittle and might have been previously consideredunsuitable for use as a locating ring for an injection mold tool.However, the disclosed locating ring 50 employs the guard 54, which cantake the brunt of almost any impact during mold machine set up. Thus,the disclosed locating ring 50 is a significant improvement over priorknown, conventional steel locating rings. In one alternative, it iscertainly possible to fabricate the body 52 from conventional steel andusing a conventional machining process. Such a locating ring body canstill be utilized with a guard as disclosed and described herein.

Known or existing locating rings are made from machined steel bar stock.They are sliced off individually and then CNC turned one at a time. Theycannot be heat treated or they would impart even more damage to the moldparts and surfaces than they currently cause. A locating ring asdisclosed herein can be made from sintered metal, casted, or evenmachined, and can actually be hardened (sintered metal is in facthardened) giving such a locating ring improved structural strength.However, employing a resilient or softer guard as disclosed hereinprevents the locating face portion of the ring from ever contacting themachine platen so the ring body portion cannot damage the platen face.The hardness of the body, coupled with the guard, will actually improvethe ring locating function because the body can/will be hard and willbetter hold a true original size over time in comparison to anon-hardened, conventional, machined steel, locating ring.

The guard 54, and particularly the bumper segments 80 in this example,can also be connected to the body 52 in a number of different ways. Inone example, the bumper segments 80 can be fabricated separately fromthe body 52, inserted into the bumper holes 98 in a subsequent assemblyprocess, and adhered to the surfaces of the holes 98. The segments 80can be connected or adhered utilizing suitable fasteners, adhesives,heat welding, molecular bonding, or the like. Alternatively, the bumpersegments 80 can be inserted into the bumper holes 98 without anyparticular adhesion, other than perhaps a friction fit, between the bodyand the core segments. The stop flange 94 and step 100 associated witheach bumper segment 80 will properly locate and position the bumpersegments 80 relative to the body 52 in this example. The bumper segments80 will then be captured between a mold part surface and the body 52when the locating ring 50 is mounted to the mold part. The guard 54,including each of the bumper segments 80, would then be secured in placeduring use.

In another example, the body 52 can be fabricated and then placed in asecondary mold as an insert. The guard 54, including each of the bumpersegments 80 in this example, can then be molded and formed as a part ofthe locating ring 50 producing a finished product from the mold. Surfacebonding between the body 52 and bumper segments 80 can occur during themolding process when forming the guard 54. In this example, and in eachof the subsequently described examples, the guard 54 is formed of anon-metal material that is softer than the metal material of the body52.

Any number of materials and processes can be utilized to form the guard54. For example, the guard 54 can be formed of a suitable polymermaterial that is highly durable and yet somewhat forgiving whencontacting another object. Examples of suitable materials that can beused to form the guard 54, and other guards disclosed and describedherein, include thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber,thermoplastic resins of any type, thermoset elastomers, thermosetrubber, or thermoset resins of any type.

Processes and materials for fabricating and connecting a resilientlocating ring to the metal body as disclosed herein are many. Theproduct can be insert molded, direct molded, mechanically retained(screws, drive pins, spring pins, mechanical clamp) chemically bonded,adhered, spin welded (resilient material or hard plastic),ultrasonically bonded (hard plastic), heat staked, sprayed on as acoating, dipped into a bath, electrostatically built up, or the like.

Alternatives to the non-metal guards are also possible. A soft metalguard, such as aluminum, bronze, brass, or the like, could be insertedor fastened to the ring body so as to achieve some degree of protectionagainst damage. Such metals are soft by comparison to the material ofthe machine platens and therefore also will not damage a typical plateneither. Such bi-metal locating rings, however, might be significantlymore expensive to manufacture than a ring with a resilient non-metalinsert. Such bi-metal locating rings might be suitable in othermanufacturing sectors, other than the injection molding exampledescribed herein. Die casting processes may benefit from using locatingrings as described herein. However, the heat environment of a diecasting operation is severe, such as over 900 degrees Fahrenheit. Alocating ring with a resilient, non-metal locating ring guard wouldlikely not tolerate that degree of heat, but an aluminum or brass guardwould likely be quite suitable. Non-ferrous, softer metals may besuitable guard materials in some applications. As noted above, suchmaterials can include aluminum, brass, bronze, or any relatively metal(relative to the locating ring body material and/or the platen material,preferably soft to minimize platen impact damage).

FIGS. 4-7 show one example of the locating ring 50 in use during setupon an injection mold machine 110. In this example, components of theinjection mold machine 100 are shown relatively simplistically(specifically, the stationary platen 112). Those having ordinary skillin the art will recognize that details of the injection mold machine andits various components can vary from those depicted herein, as can themold parts of the machine. The parts of the injection mold machine 110described herein are simply provided to illustrate the function,performance, and method of use of the locating ring 50 and the otherlocating rings described herein.

In the disclosed example, the injection mold machine 110 has a secondmold part or stationary platen 112 with a second surface or flat platencontact surface 114 on one side or face of the platen. A locating hole116 is formed in the stationary platen 112 and through the platencontact surface 114. The locating hole 116 has a tapered rear end 118.An injection nozzle or other such injection mold parts can be placed orpositioned in the tapered rear end 118. Such components can access asprue bushing or nozzle seat through the locating ring 50, andspecifically the central opening 59, as is known in the art, so as todeliver or inject molten material to a mold cavity. Such details are notparticularly relevant to the invention disclosed and described hereinand thus are not further described. Those having ordinary skill in theart will recognize that potential differences and variations in theinjection mold machine components and arrangement are certainly withinthe spirit and scope of the present mention.

In this example, the injection mold machine 110 also includes a movable,first mold part or mold tool 120. The mold tool 120 in this example issuspended by a chain 122, as is known in the art. The mold tool 120 canbe provided in various segments as shown that are arranged to create amold cavity therein. One or more injection molded parts are typicallyformed within the mold cavity. In this example, the mold tool 120 has afirst surface or contact surface 124 on one side or face of the tool.The locating ring 50 is mounted in a receiving pocket (not shown) in thecontact surface 124 utilizing fasteners (not shown) in combination withthe above-described fastener receptacles 66. Though not shown herein,the locating ring 50, including the central opening 59 thereof, aretypically aligned with a sprue bushing in the mold tool 120 and aninjection nozzle of the molding machine. The sprue bushing and injectionnozzle are in fluid communication with one another.

In the disclosed example, once the mold tool 120 is suspended from thechain 122, an operator is free to move or arrange the mold tool 120 andthe platen 112 in relative close proximity to one another. Since themold tool 120 is movable and the platen 112 is stationary, the operatorcan reposition and maneuver the mold tool 120 such that its contactsurface 124 faces the platen contact surface 114 as shown in FIGS. 4 and5. Thus, the locating ring will also face toward the platen 112. Theoperator then moves the mold contact surface 124 toward the platencontact surface 114 as in FIG. 5.

The operator can move the mold tool 120 while attempting to align thelocating ring 50 with the locating hole 116. As is well known in theindustry, this is a difficult task. The mold tool 120 is significantlyheavy, bulky, and quite large. It is difficult or nearly impossible forthe operator to maneuver the mold tool while still being able to seeboth the locating ring 50 and the locating hole 116. In addition, whenthe two mold parts 112, 120 get close to one another, neither thelocating ring 50 nor the locating hole 116 may be visible at all to theoperator. The operator of a typical injection mold machine also must beextremely careful while positioning the mold parts to prevent damage tothe surfaces and the locating ring. The operator must make careful,micro-adjustments while positioning the mold tool to avoid hard contactbetween the components. This can add significant time delays to theprocess.

As again depicted in FIG. 5, the operator can move the mold tool 120toward the platen 112 until the locating ring 50 contacts the platencontact surface 114. In a conventional operation, the metal locatingring can easily damage the contact surface of the platen, the locatingring, or both, even under the slightest amount of contact. However, inthe disclosed example, the guard 54 will instead contact the platencontact surface 114, resulting in virtually no damage to eithercomponents. The operator can continue to move the mold tool 120 as theguard 54 contacts or even bounces against the platen contact surface 114until the locating ring 50 registers with the locating hole 116. At thispoint, the locating ring 50 will begin to enter the locating hole 116,as shown in FIG. 6. The operator can continue to reposition the moldtool 120 relative to the platen 112 until the locating ring 50 iscompletely or fully registered in or aligned with the locating hole 116.The operator can then further move the mold tool 120 toward the platen112 until the locating ring 50 fully seats within the locating hole 116as shown in FIG. 7. When fully seated, the platen contact surface 114and tool contact surface 124 fully engage with and lie flat against oneanother. The mold tool 120 and platen 112 in this example can then beclamped to one another (not shown) rendering the injection mold machine110 ready for further set up and eventual use.

The locating ring 50 is mounted to the movable mold part, i.e., the moldtool 120, in this example. It is possible that the locating ring 50 bemounted to the stationary mold part, such as the platen 112 in thisexample. In such an example, the locating hole 116 would then beprovided on the movable mold part. Such an arrangement may be moresuited to other processes, other than the disclosed injection moldingexample, where the process utilizes one or more locating type rings andmay benefit from use of the disclosed locating rings.

In a typical injection molding process, it is critical that no damageoccur to the locating ring 50, the surfaces of the locating hole 116,the platen contact surface 114, and/or the mold tool contact surface124. Damage to any of these surfaces can cause significant downtime tothe old tool to repair the damaged surfaces or components, and thenreplace and/or reassemble and set up the machine. Damage to any of thesurfaces can also result in significant cost, as it is quite expensiveto re-machine, rework, or reform surfaces on such mold components.Similarly, once a mold tool is reworked, it may not perform as well asoriginally intended and may have compromised or reduced structuralintegrity and durability. The disclosed locating ring 50 andcorresponding guard 54 alleviate or completely eliminate many of theseproblems. The forward face 82 of the guard 54, and particularly thebumper segments 80 in this example, will protect both the locating ring50 and the platen contact surface 114 during mold set up. The guard 54will also allow the operator considerably more leeway to be less preciseor careful and both micro- and macro-position or adjust the mold partwithout risking damage to the mold machine components. The operator needbe less careful until the locating ring 50 and locating hole 116 areessentially aligned, as in FIG. 6. This can speed up the mold machinesetup process.

Utilization of a locating ring constructed in accordance with theteachings of the invention, and particularly the non-metal material ofthe guards, can provide additional benefit to various entities. For one,the guard 54 can be molded in virtually any desired color or colorcombination. The guard 54 can be fabricated to include visual indicia ofvirtually any type. For example, product information, moldcharacteristics or data information, marketing information, corporatelogos, and/or the like. Thus, a locating ring as disclosed and describedherein can be mounted to a mold part with such information or indiciareadily visible on the part and the ring. Supplier visibility orawareness may be enhanced, whether it is the mold manufacturers, thelocating ring manufacturers, or some other entity's information visibleon the guard. This is because any such indicia provided on the guardmaterial will be readily visible. The guards can be provided withdifferent combinations of color, symbols, logos, artwork, and/oralphanumeric indicia thereon. The guard can be fabricated to achieve aparticular purpose or benefit, determined and/or dependent upon aparticular use.

The disclosed locating ring 50 is described above as being mounted to amold tool 120, which in turn is clamped to a mold platen 112. As will beevident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the locating ring 50can be mounted to other such mold parts and still be utilized asdescribed herein. For example, the locating ring 50 can be used tolocate or align portions of a mold tool or cavity with other portions ofa mold tool or cavity, if desired.

As noted above, the configuration and construction of the locating ring50 can vary from the example shown. Other examples are now describedherein utilizing the remaining figures. Each of the below-describedlocating rings can be used in essentially the same manner as describedabove with respect to the locating ring 50.

FIGS. 8-10 show another example of a locating ring 130 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example,the locating ring 130 has a body 132 also formed having a ring shape orannulus configuration. The body 132 has an outer perimeter surface 134,a mounting face 136, an inner annular wall 138, and a central opening140 formed through the body and defined by the inner annular wall. Thebody 132 also has a center axis A. A pair of diametrically opposedfastener receptacles 142 are provided on the body 52. In this example,the fastener receptacles 142 each include a center fastener bore 144formed in a step surface 146 adjacent a notched section 148 in the body.The fastener bore 144 is flanked by two jack screw holes 145, whichwould include threads matching that of the fasteners (not shown). Oneopposed pair of the jack screw holes can have English unit threads andone opposed pair of jack screw holes can have metric threads in order toaccommodate more than one type of application. In the event thatresidual plastic has leached out and cured, it can overhang the locatingring and make removal difficult. The fasteners are removed from thebores 144 and then threaded into these jack screw holes 145. When thefastener tip contacts the bottom of the ring pocket, the fasteners drivethe ring out, either deforming or breaking the cured leached materialand releasing the lodged locating ring. The body 132 in this examplethus illustrates yet another optional fastener receptacle construction.

The body 132 also has a locating face 150 opposite the mounting face136, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. The locating face 150 in thisexample has a recessed region 152 in the body 132. The recessed region152 is surrounded by a short rim or rib 154 that projects forward fromand defines the boundary of the recessed region. The locating ring 130in this example also has a contiguous guard 156. In this example, theguard 156 has a footprint or shape that mirrors that of the recessedregion 152 of the locating face 150. The guard 156 has a thickness suchthat it protrudes forward from the locating face 150. Again, theperimeter of the guard 156 is completely within the perimeter of thebody 132 in a radial direction. The guard 156 in this example has a rearface 158 that lies against the locating face 150 and has an exposedforward face 160. The guard 156 also has an interior opening 162 thatcoincides with the central opening 140 of the body 132. As noted above,the guard 156 can be connected to the body 132 in any number of suitableways. Likewise, the body 132 can be formed of a powdered or sinteredmetal or “white” metal material utilizing a less expensive manufacturingprocess.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate another example of a locating ring 170constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.The locating ring 170 in this example has numerous similarities to theprior described locating ring 130. Therefore, like reference numeralsrepresent like parts between the two ring examples. The locating ring170 has a body 132 and a guard 156 that are essentially identical tothose described above with respect to the locating ring 130. However,the locating ring 170 in this example includes an additional componentsandwiched between the body and guard. In this example, the locatingring 170 has an insert 172 constructed in the form of a ring shapedplate. The insert 172 has the same footprint or shape as the recessedregion 152 in the locating face 150 on the body 132. The insert 172 hasa back side 174 that lies against the surface of the recessed region 152when properly placed. The insert 172 also has a front side 176 thatfaces the guard 156. The insert 172 can be assembled in a variety ofways, depending on how the guard 156 is attached to the body 132. In oneexample, the insert 172 can be placed on or adhered to the surface ofthe recessed region 152 after fabrication of the body 132 and prior toplacing the body into a mold cavity for forming the guard 156. Theinsert 172 would then be encapsulated between the overmolded material ofthe guard 156 and the body 132. In another example, the insert 172 canbe applied to the rear face 158 of the guard 156 after the guard isformed. The guard 156 can then be connected or adhered to the body 132.Instead, the insert 172 can be insert molded as an embedded part of theguard 156, if desired.

In this example, the guard 156 can be formed of a transparent ortranslucent material, such as a clear urethane, polyurethane,thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, or the like. The frontside 176 of the insert 172 can include indicia 178, as described above,provided thereon. The indicia 178 will then be visible through thematerial of the guard 156. Again, the indicia 178 can represent any typeof information desired by an entity interested in obtaining a financial,marketing, or other type of advantage or benefit.

In the prior described examples, the guards were more or lesspermanently affixed or connected to the locating ring bodies. However,the guards can be configured as a removable part, if desired for aparticular application. A number of the following examples illustratesuch guard potentially removable configurations.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate another example of a locating ring 180constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.In this example, the locating ring 180 has a body 182 that can beconstructed similar to or different than the prior described bodies. Thebody 182 in this example has a plurality of fastener receptacles 184spaced apart around the body. In this example, the fastener receptacles184 are essentially the same as the receptacles 66 described above withreference to the locating ring 50. Thus, each of the fastenerreceptacles 184 has a notched section 186 of a semi-sphericalconfiguration, and a bore 185 formed through a stepped surface 187.

In this example, a guard 188 is provided as a removable element of thelocating ring 180. The guard 188 is a puck shaped circular object with afront face 190 and a circumferential sidewall 192. As with each of theprior embodiments, the circumferential sidewall 192 is inside orradially within a perimeter surface 194 on the body 182. The guard 188in this example is a relatively solid object with no central opening asin the prior examples. With reference to FIG. 15, the guard 188 alsoincludes a rear face 196 with a plurality of magnets 198 either exposedthrough the rear face 196 or in close proximity to the rear face. Onemight wish to completely encase the magnets in the guard material (notshown) so as to prevent the magnets from releasing from the guard whenremoved from the body. The magnets 198 are positioned circumferentiallyaround the rear face 196 adjacent the sidewall 192. A plurality ofprotrusions 200 are spaced apart circumferentially around and projectfrom the rear face 196 on the guard 188 in this example. The protrusions200 are shaped to register with and be received in one of thecorresponding notched sections 186. The protrusions 200 can help toproperly position and retain the removable guard 188 on the body 182 ofthe locating ring 180 in this example. The guard 188 also has acylindrical plug 202 projecting from the center of the rear face 196.

Even though the guard 188 has no central opening, the body 182 stillincludes an interior annular wall 204 that defines a central opening 206through the body. The plug 202 is sized to closely fit within thecentral opening 206. The body 182 has a mounting face 208 and anopposite locating face 210. The magnets 198 are configured to attractand hold the guard 188 to the body 182. The guard 188 can be removedfrom the body 182 simply by breaking the bond between the magnets 198and the locating face 210 of the body. The guard 188 in this example canbe temporarily applied to a conventional locating ring, which would beconfigured identical or similar to the body 182, and then used toproperly position, align, and secure mold parts as described above. Theguard 188 can then be withdrawn or removed from the body 182 through thelocating hole 116, via the tapered rear section 118, as needed foroperation of an injection molding machine. As a result, the locatingring 180 in this example can be provided with a unique body 182 andcorresponding guard 188 to form a locating ring that functions as thepreviously described rings. Alternatively, the guard 188 can be providedto retrofit an existing or conventional locating ring, if desired.

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate additional examples of locating rings constructedin accordance with the teachings of the present pension. In each ofthese examples, the locating rings have a body that is substantiallyidentical to the body 182 described above for the prior example. Thus,like reference numerals will be utilized to represent like parts incomparison to the body 182 and details of the bodies in each of theseexamples will not be further described.

FIG. 17 shows one example of a locating ring 219 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example,the locating ring 219 has a guard 220 that is similar in construction tothe guard 188. Thus, the guard 220 has a front face 190, a sidewall 192,a rear face 196, and a center plug 222. The guard 220 in this exampledoes not include magnets to hold it in place on the body 182. Instead,the guard includes an inflatable bladder 224 within the interior of theplug 222. Though not shown herein, the inflatable bladder 224 cancommunicate with a valve or mechanism that is accessible from theexterior of the guard. The bladder 224 can be expanded so that the plug222 creates an interference fit between an exterior surface 226 of theplug 222 and the interior wall 204 within the central opening 206 on thebody 182. The guard in this example is again a removable element thatcan be configured to cooperate with a unique locating ring body 182 orto retrofit an existing or conventional locating ring. The plug 222 andbladder 224 can be configured so that the guard 220 can accommodatedifferent sized openings and thus, different sized locating rings, ifdesired.

FIG. 18 shows another example of a locating ring 230 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example,the locating ring 230 has a guard 232, again similar in configuration tothe previously described guards 188 and 220. In this example, the guard232 has a front face 190, a perimeter sidewall 192, a rear face 196, anda plug 233. In this example, the plug 233 again has an outer surface 240that interferingly contacts the interior wall 204 within the centralopening 206 of the body 182. In this example, a mechanical cam 234 has atool access 236 projecting to and accessible from the front face 190 ofthe guard 232. The mechanical cam 234, and particularly the tool access236, is connected to and has a cam device 238 embedded in the plug 232.The cam device 238 can be manipulated or rotated via the tool access 236in order to increase or decrease the diameter of the outer surface 240on the plug 233. Thus, surface interference between the plug and thecentral opening of the body 182 will selectively retain the guard 232connected to the body 182. Again, the plug 233 and mechanical cam 234can be provided so that the guard 232 accommodates a variety ofdifferent sized locating rings and openings.

FIG. 19 shows yet another example of a locating ring 250 constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this example,the locating ring 250 has a guard 252 that is a relatively simple inconstruction. The guard 252 is again a removable element and has a frontface 190, a sidewall 192, a rear face 196, and a plug 202. The guard 252is very similar to the earlier described guard 188, which includedmagnets. The guard in this example has no magnets. Instead, the plug 202has an outer surface 254 that is configured to create an interferencefit with a specific size central opening 206 in the body 182 of thelocating ring 250. Again, the guard 252 is configured as a removableelement that can be provided to accommodate a specific body 182 or toretrofit an existing locating ring having a specific size centralopening.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate yet another example of a locating ring 260constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.In this example, the locating ring has a body 182 and a simplecylindrical plug or guard 262 that is inserted into the central opening206 of the body. The guard 262 has an outer circumferential surface 264sized to interferingly fit within the central opening 206. The guard hasa length or depth between a back surface 266 and an opposed frontsurface 268 such that a good portion of the guard 262 protrudes forwardfrom the locating face 210 on the body 182 to perform the previouslydescribed functions of the guard. Again, the guard 262 or plug in thisexample can be provided with a specific body 182 to create the locatingring 260 or can be provided to retrofit an existing or conventionallocating ring having a specifically size central opening 206.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate still another example of a locating ring 270constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.In this example, the locating ring 270 has a body 272 in the form of acircular annulus. The body 272 generally has a mounting face 274, anopposite locating face 276, an outer perimeter surface 278, an interiorannular surface 280, and a central opening 281 through the body definedby the annular surface. The body 272 also has a plurality of fastenerreceptacles. One pair of the receptacles 282 in this example isdiametrically opposed to one another through the body. Each of the pairof receptacles 282 has a chamfered entry 284.

The locating ring 270 in this example also has a guard 286 that is alsoessentially a circular annulus. The guard 286 in this example has afront face 288, an opposite rear face 290, a circumferential sidewall292, and an inner annular wall 294. The annular wall 294 coincides withthe interior annular surface 280 on the body 272 when connected to thebody. In this example, the guard 286 is formed as a two-piece componentincluding an inner rigid skeleton 296 supporting an over-molded layer298 of the above-described a soft guard material. The inner rigidskeleton 296 can be provided to give structural integrity to the guard286 and can be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or other suitably rigidmaterials. The over-molded layer 298 is provided to provide the guard orcushioning function described herein. Exposed portions 300 of the rigidstructure 296 are accessible through a pair of opposed notches 302formed into the circumferential sidewall 292 on the guard. The exposedportions 300 in this example are configured to nest with thecorresponding chamfered entries 284 in the body. Fasteners 304 havingtapered heads 306 can be utilized to secure the guard 286 to the body272. The same fasteners 304 can be utilized to also mount the locatingring 270 to a mold tool, if desired. The fasteners 304 can be providedwith threaded shafts 308 that extend beyond the mounting face 274 of thebody as shown in FIG. 24 when assembled and mounted to a mold tool.

The locating ring 270 can again be provided as a unique body 272 andguard 286 combination fabricated to specifically mate with one another.Alternatively, the guard 286 in this example can be provided to againretrofit an existing or conventional locating ring, if desired.

FIGS. 25-28 illustrate yet another embodiment of a locating ring 320constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.In this example, the locating ring 320 has a body 322 that isessentially identical to the body 132 of the locating ring 130previously described herein. Thus, the body 322 utilizes the samereference numbers to represent like parts. Likewise, the locating ring320 has a guard 324 that is substantially identical to the guard 156 ofthe locating ring 130 previously described herein. Again, the guard 324utilizes the same reference numbers to represent like parts.

The central opening 140 of the body 322 is not a cylindrical structure.Instead, the inner annular wall 138 changes in diameter and is curved,becoming smaller, moving from the locating face 152 toward the mountingface 136. As is known in the art, the surface can accumulate curedmaterial residue, such as cured injection molding material resultingfrom the injection molding process. Such cured residue is typicallyremoved from the surfaces of the inner annular wall 138 and othersurfaces of the body 322 using a brass tool. Cleaning of cured residuefrom the surfaces of the body 322 can damage the surfaces.

To help alleviate this problem, the guard 324 in this example ismaterial overmolded onto the body 322 as previously described. Thematerial utilized to form the guard 322 can have a non-stick surfacecharacteristic. One such example of a suitable material is liquidsilicone rubber. In addition, a thin skin layer 326 of the overmoldedmaterial can be formed as shown in FIGS. 26-28 on the entire innerannular wall 38 where the material of the guard 324 would otherwise notbe located or formed. The thin skin layer 326 can thus be added to anysurface of the body 322 were a non-stick surface characteristic isdesired. If residue or mold material cures on a surface having the thinskin layer 326, the residue can easily be peeled from the surfacewithout the use of any tool. Further, the thin skin layer 326 canprotect the inner annular wall surface 138 as well.

Some molded parts can be very big and/or require relatively heavy wallthicknesses. Such parts require a large mold cavity and a high volume ofresin material to make the parts. A mold tool for forming smaller and/orthin walled parts typically utilizes a small sprue bushing orifice, suchas that described earlier with respect to FIGS. 4-7. The sprue bushingtypically has a relatively small, fixed diameter orifice and is flushwith or recessed into the surface of the mold tool. For bigger parts,the nozzle orifice must be much larger. For various reasons to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art, the typical sprue is undesirable andis removed and replaced. A valve gate system utilizes a piston to move astem or other device relative to the nozzle orifice to open and closethe orifice. The piston is typically housed within a valve gate bodythat is relatively large. This results in the nozzle seat beingpositioned on the valve gate body instead of the mold tool.

With reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, a first mold part or mold tool 400 ofa mold machine is illustrated. The mold tool 400 is similar to theearlier described mold tool 120 of FIGS. 4-7. In this example, the moldtool 400 has a first side with a first surface 402 that would mateagainst a mold platen, such as the platen 112 described earlier. Anozzle seat 404 is exposed on the first side of the mold tool 400. Alocating ring 130 (see above and FIGS. 8-10) is mounted to the mold 400and has a body 132 with a guard 156, as described above. The locatorring 130 has a ring shape with a central opening concentric with acenter axis, also as described above. In this example, the nozzle seat404 is exposed on the first surface 402 of the mold tool 400 with thesprue bushing and nozzle seat centered within the ring 130. The locatingring 130, including the guard 136, is mounted directly to the firstsurface 402 (or in a recess therein) of the mold tool 400, similar tothe earlier described embodiment. This set up is typical of a mold toolfor molding relatively small parts.

With reference to FIGS. 31 and 32, the first mold part or mold tool 400is illustrated in a configuration that is suitable for forming largeand/or thick walled parts. In this example, an elongate valve gate body420 is mounted to and protrudes from the first surface 402 on the firstside of the tool 400. A nozzle seat 422 is provided on a free end 424 ofthe body 420. A locating ring 426 is shown in this example havinganother different configuration in comparison to the previouslydescribed examples. The locating ring 426 again generally has aring-shaped body 428 with a guard 430 mounted or otherwise provided on alocating face of the ring body. A mounting face of the locating ring 426is connected to the free end 424 of the valve gate body 420. Thelocating ring 426 surrounds and exposes the nozzle seat 422 and both thenozzle seat and the locating ring are spaced from the first surface 402on the mold tool 400. In this example, the locating ring 426 protectsthe nozzle seat 422 from damage, as well as protects the valve gate body420 and surfaces of a mold platen that might otherwise contact the freeend 424 of the valve gate body during alignment of the mold tool 400 ina mold machine.

Some molding equipment have extremely large tools and thus use orrequire extremely large locating rings. The rings can be quite expensiveto purchase and require a substantial investment by the end user.Therefore it may be quite beneficial to provide a locating ring of thetype disclosed herein that can be used to retrofit an existing all steelring in order to minimize the financial investment required to achievethe benefits of the disclosed locating rings. FIGS. 33-37 show anotherexample of a locating ring 500 constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present invention. In this example, the locating ring500 can be an assembly configured as an entire locating ring unit or asa locating ring subassembly 501 as depicted in FIGS. 38 and 39configured to retrofit an existing steel or metal locating ring.

The locating ring 500 is shown as a complete assembly in FIGS. 33-37 andas having a ring base 502, a body or cap piece 504 that attaches to thesteel ring base, and a guard 506 over the cap piece. As noted above, theentire locating ring 500 can be provided as a complete assembly as shownin FIGS. 33-37 or only the cap piece 504 and guard 506 can be providedas a retrofit sub-unit or locating ring subassembly 501 as shown inFIGS. 38 and 39 for retrofitting an existing steel base (similar to thering base 502) that is already in use by the end user. The ring base 502of the assembly 500 can be formed of steel or another durable andsubstantial material. The cap piece 504 can be formed of aluminum oranother suitable durable material. In one example, the cap piece 504 canbe formed of aluminum or another suitable durable material. In oneexample, the guard 506 can be formed of silicone, rubber, or othersuitable material, similar to the earlier described embodiments of thebumper or guard. In another example, the cap piece and guard can be anintegral one-piece construction that is coupled to the steel locatingring or ring base. Such a component can be formed of a material, whichshould be softer than steel or at least softer than the material of themolding equipment, in order to reduce potential damage to the moldingequipment when setting the mold. For example, such a component could befabricated from aluminum, bronze, plastic, composite, rubber, silicone,or the like. This type of component could be adhered, fastened, orotherwise bonded to the locating ring or ring base.

The ring base 502 in this example has a plurality of attachment holes508 provided to receive fasteners 510 for securing the cap piece 504 tothe ring base. As with the earlier described embodiments, the ring base502 can also have a plurality of mounting holes 512 for mounting thelocating ring 500 to a tool. The ring base 502 can also have a pluralityof jack screw holes (not shown) that can assist in releasing andremoving the locating ring 500 from a tool as needed. The cap piece 504also has a plurality of threaded holes 516, the number of which cancoincide with the number of attachment holes 508. The fasteners can beused to mount and secure the cap piece 504 to the ring base 502. If thelocating ring 500 is provided as an assembly, the ring base can beprefabricated with the various holes, including the attachment holes508. If an existing locating ring is being retrofit, the existinglocating ring can be modified on site to add at least the attachmentholes 508. A pattern for forming the attachment holes and/orinstructions to do so can be provided to the end user with thesub-assembly 501, i.e., the cap piece 504 and guard 506 to properlymodify the existing locating ring to receive the retrofit part.

Again, the ring base 502 is shown as an annulus or having a ring shapewith a center opening 518, an outer perimeter surface 520, a mountingface 522, and an annular inner wall 524 forming the center opening 518.The ring base 502 also has a locating face 526 opposite the mountingface 522. The locating face 526 can be a flat planar surface, can have agroove formed into the face of the ring base, or, as shown, can berecessed and surrounded only by a short rim or lip 528 protrudingaxially at the outer perimeter of the ring base and beyond the locatingface 526 as depicted in FIG. 36. The cap piece 504 can have a diameterthat is sized to mate against a flat locating face, seat within a groovein the locating face, or fit entirely within the rim or lip 528 formingthe recess. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the perimeter ofthe cap piece 504 can have a stepped down portion 530 formed for exampleby or adjacent a radially extending flange 532. The stepped down portion530 can be seated in the recess in the ring base 502 and contact thelocating face 526. The flange 532 can bear against the edge of the rimor lip 528. In this example, the fasteners can be inserted through theattaching holes 508 in the ring base 502 and can be screwed into thethreaded holes 516 in the cap piece 504 to assemble the locating ring500.

If provided as an assembly, and in an alternate example, the fasteners510, attachment holes 508, and threaded holes 516 can be eliminated, ifdesired. The cap piece can instead be interferingly fit into therecessed locating face 526 or into a groove of the ring base 502. Thecap piece can be made from aluminum, as noted above, to reduce weightand for easy machining. An aluminum cap piece would also have greaterthermal expansion characteristics compared to a steel ring base. Thealuminum cap piece could be cryogenically frozen for assembly in orderto shrink the diameter of the cap piece. The very cold cap piece canthen be place into the groove or recess of the locating face on the ringbase. As the aluminum cap piece warms up it would expand to create aninterference fit with the steel ring base. The radial outside surfacegeometry of the aluminum cap piece and the mating radial inside surfaceof the steel ring base can each be formed having a slight taper angle.The angle can be oriented on each piece such that the aluminum cap pieceinterlocks into place within the groove or recess wall of the steel ringbase once it expands.

The material of the guard 506 can be molded onto or otherwise adhered tothe cap piece 504 to form the subassembly 501 so that no end userassembly of the guard and cap piece is required. If the cap piece 504and guard 506 are provided as a subassembly 501 for retrofitting aconventional locating ring, the cap piece and guard can be prefabricatedand provided to the end user ready to install. It is possible, however,that the guard and the cap piece can be provided as separate parts,which are assembled by the manufacturer or by the end user duringinstallation or retrofit, as depicted in FIG. 41 as the subassembly 551described below. Where an end user is to retrofit their existinglocating ring, the end user can machine the existing parts to receive asubassembly that carries or provides the guard or implements the guardfunction. This would allow for fastener locations and internal ringgeometry variations to be backwards compatible for any existing locatingring of similar diameter.

FIGS. 40-42 show another example of a locating ring 550 that can beprovided as either an assembly, as in FIG. 40, or as a subassembly 551,as represented in FIGS. 41 and 42, for use in retrofitting an existingsteel locating ring (as represented in FIG. 41). In this example, thelocating ring 550 is a complete assembly in FIG. 40. The locating ringis a subassembly 551 for retrofitting an existing steel locating ring inFIGS. 41 and 42. In this example, the locating ring has a ring base 552,a body or cap piece 554 that attaches to the steel ring base, and aguard 556 formed of a plurality of discrete guard or bumper segments558, similar to the first embodiment of the locating ring 50 describedabove. The ring base 552 of the assembly 550 can be a solid disc shapedbody or an annulus or ring shape as shown. The ring base 552 can beformed of steel or another durable and substantial material. The cappiece 554 can be formed of aluminum or another suitable durablematerial. The segments 558 of the guard 556 can be formed ofthermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber, thermoplastic resins ofany type, thermoset elastomers, thermoset rubber, silicone, or thermosetresins of any type, similar to the above described embodiments of thebumper or guard and can be configured and installed similar to thesegments 80 as described above.

The ring base 552 can again be an annulus or ring shape with a centeropening 560, an outer perimeter surface 562, a mounting face (on theback side not shown), and an annular inner wall 566 forming the centeropening 560. The ring base 552 also has a locating face 568 opposite themounting face 564. The locating face 568 can be a flat planar surface,can have a groove formed into the face of the ring base, or, as shown,can be recessed and surround a centering protrusion 570 that protrudesaxially from the inner perimeter of the ring base 552 around the centeropening 560 and axially beyond the locating face 568 as depicted in FIG.41. The cap piece 554 can simply mate against a flat locating face onthe ring base, seat within a groove in the locating face, or fit withina raised lip or rim as in the prior described embodiment. Alternatively,as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, a central opening 572 can be defined by aninner facing wall 573 of the annular cap piece 554. The inner facingwall 573 can seat around the centering protrusion 570 of the ring base552 and the cap piece 554 can lie against the recessed locating face568.

In this example, the ring base 552 can have a plurality of threadedholes 574 through or at least into the locating face 568 of the base. Aswith the earlier described embodiments, the ring base 552 can also havea plurality of mounting holes 578 for mounting the locating ring 550 toa tool. The ring base 552 can also have a plurality of jack screw holes(not shown). The cap piece 554 also has a plurality of fastener holes580, the number of which can coincide with the number of threaded holes574 in the ring base 552. Threaded fasteners 576 can be used forsecuring the cap piece 554 to the ring base. The fasteners 576 (see FIG.42) can be used to mount and secure the cap piece 554 to the ring base552 (see FIGS. 40 and 41) through the holes 580 and threaded holes 574.If the locating ring 550 is provided as an assembly, the ring base 552can be prefabricated with the various holes, including the threadedholes 574. If an existing locating ring is being retrofit, the locatingring can be modified to add at least the threaded holes 574. Again, apattern for forming the holes and/or instructions to do so can beprovided to the end user along with the cap piece 554 and bumpersegments 558 to properly modify the existing locating ring to receivethe retrofit parts.

As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the bumper segments 558 can be insertedthrough bumper holes 582 formed through the body or cap piece 554. Theguard 556 and bumper segments 558 can be formed and installed in thesame manner as described above for the first locating ring 50embodiment. The bumper segments can be individual parts captured betweenthe cap piece 554 and ring base 552 when assembled. Alternatively, thebumper segments can be carried on or integrally molded with an integralring of like material to be captured between the base and cap piece whenassembled.

Numerous examples and alternate embodiments of locating rings have beendisclosed and described herein. Each of these embodiments is provided torepresent possible variations and alternate configurations of suchlocating rings. The locating rings disclosed and described herein,however, can vary considerably and still fall within the spirit andscope of the present invention. The particular shape and configurationof both the bodies and guards can be varied from the examples shown andyet perform and function as intended. Also, the locating rings disclosedherein are described for use in an injection molding process andmachine. However, the locating rings may also be suitable in othermanufacturing processes and machines that require relative location ofparts without damage to the underlying components. One such examplewould be a die casting operation.

Although certain locating rings and methods of use have been describedherein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, thescope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On thecontrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of thedisclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mold tool comprising: a first mold part havinga first side forming a first surface; a nozzle exposed on the first sideof the first mold part; and a locating ring mounted to the first moldpart and having a body formed of a metal material and a guard formed ofa material softer than the metal material of the body, the body having aring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a centralopening concentric with a center axis, a mounting face, and a locatingface opposite the mounting face, the guard being connected to the bodyradially within the perimeter surface and projecting axially beyond thelocating face, wherein the locating ring surrounds and exposes thenozzle.
 2. A mold tool according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle isexposed on the first surface of the first side and wherein the mountingface of the locating ring is mounted directly to the first surface.
 3. Amold tool according to claim 1, further comprising an elongate valvegate body protruding from the first surface of the first mold part,wherein the nozzle is located at a free end of the valve gate bodyspaced from the first surface, and wherein the mounting face of thelocating ring is mounted to the free end of the valve gate body.
 4. Amold tool according to claim 1, wherein the guard of the locating ringis formed of a non-metal material or a non-ferrous metal material.
 5. Amold tool according to claim 1, wherein the body of the locating ring isformed of a steel material.
 6. A mold tool according to claim 1, whereinthe guard of the locating ring is formed of a liquid silicone rubber,aluminum, bronze, brass, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic rubber,thermoset elastomer, or thermoset rubber.
 7. A mold tool according toclaim 1, wherein the body of the guard has a plurality of through boresformed axially through the body, and wherein the guard includes aplurality of bumper segments, one bumper segment protruding through eachof the through bores.
 8. A mold tool according to claim 7, wherein eachof the bumper segments has a back end aligned flush with the mountingface of the body and a front end protruding beyond the locating face ofthe body.
 9. A mold tool according to claim 1, wherein the locating faceof the body of the locating ring is a recess thereon, and wherein theguard is bonded to the locating face within the recess.
 10. A mold toolaccording to claim 1, wherein the guard of the locating ring is formedof a translucent, semi-transparent, or transparent material, and furthercomprising an insert positioned against the locating face of the bodybeneath the guard, wherein the insert has indicia visible through theguard.
 11. A mold tool according to claim 1, wherein the body of thelocating ring has a central opening concentric with the axis defined byan inner annular wall of the body.
 12. A mold tool according to claim11, wherein a skin layer of the guard material is formed integral withthe guard and covers the surface of the inner annular wall.
 13. A moldtool according to claim 12, wherein the guard or at least the skin layerthereof has a non-stick surface characteristic.
 14. A mold toolaccording to claim 1, wherein the guard of the locating ring isremovably connected to the body by being magnetically connected to thebody, by being a removable plug insertable into a central opening in thebody, or by being fastened to the body, or wherein the guard of thelocating ring is bonded to the locating face of the body.
 15. A methodof aligning parts of a molding machine, the method comprising the stepsof: providing a locating ring having a metal body and a guard formed ofa material softer than the metal of the body, the metal body having aring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a center axis,a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face, theguard connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface andprojecting axially beyond the locating face; mounting the locating ringto a first side of a first mold part, the first mold part having a firstsurface on the first side; arranging a second mold part and the firstmold part in proximity to one another, the second mold part having asecond surface with a locating hole therein; moving the first and secondsurfaces of the first and second mold parts toward one another until theguard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole;repositioning the first and second mold parts relative to one another asneeded until the guard and the perimeter wall align with the locatinghole; and further moving the first and second mold parts toward oneanother until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the firstand second surfaces engage one another.
 16. A method according to claim15, wherein the first mold part is a movably suspended injection moldand the second mold part is a stationary machine platen, and wherein thesteps of moving and further moving include moving the injection moldrelative to the stationary machine platen.
 17. A method according toclaim 15, wherein the step of mounting further comprises mounting themounting face of the locating ring directly to the first surface of thefirst mold part.
 18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the step ofmounting further comprises mounting the mounting face of the locatingring to a free end of a valve gate body protruding from the firstsurface.
 19. A method of retrofitting a locating ring with a guard forpositioning machine parts or tools relative to one another, the methodcomprising the steps of: identifying a locating ring to be retrofit, thelocating ring having a body made of metal, the body including aperimeter wall, a mounting face, and an opposite locating face;selecting a guard configured to connect to the body of the locating ringand made of a material softer than the metal of the body; and connectingthe guard to the body so that part of the guard protrudes axially beyondthe locating face and is radially within the perimeter wall.
 20. Amethod according to claim 19, further comprising the step of removing aworn, damaged, or used guard from the locating ring, and wherein thestep of selecting includes selecting a new or replacement guardconfigured to connect to the body and wherein the step of connectingincludes connecting the new or replacement guard to the body.